One of the best things about being young and childless is the freedom that it affords. You can go out whenever you like, and come back home whenever you want to. You don’t have to plan ahead. You can just pick up and go.
Having children is a life-changing event in so many ways. Our children become the center of our world and everything we do, we do with them in mind. So we often put going out to do things we enjoy on the back burner, especially when we can’t afford a babysitter.
But everyone needs a night out every now and then. Life can get really boring when you sit around the house all the time, and that can lower your morale. By getting out and enjoying yourself from time to time, you enable yourself to be a better parent. Don’t let lack of a babysitter stand in the way. Here are some ways you can get a sitter for less and still know that your child is in good hands.
* Barter for babysitting. Friends, neighbors and family members are often happy to watch our children in exchange for some other service from us. Offer to do some chores for them, wash their cars, or take care of their dogs when they go out of town.
* Join or organize a babysitting co-op. If you can find one other parent, the two of you can simply take turns sitting for one another. If there are multiple parents in the co-op, each parent could earn a certain number of credits (perhaps one per hour) for sitting for another member’s child. Then when he or she needs a sitter, those credits are exchanged for the service.
* Take the kids to see their grandparents or another family member. Other family members are frequently more than happy to watch the kids just so that they can spend some time with them, especially if they do not see them very often. You could even make it an overnight trip if it’s okay with the sitter.
* Let a trusted older sibling watch younger children. If possible, pay the big brother or sister for sitting. If not, grant extra privileges or reduce other chores as payment. This will provide the incentive to do it again in the future.
Getting a babysitter isn’t always easy, and it’s rarely cheap. But there are ways to ensure that your children are well taken care of without wreaking havoc on your budget. While you still might not be able to take off at the drop of a hat, you will be able to have some fun with your significant other or friends on occasion.
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